CAREER PROFILE

By Camille Ogden, BA '06, Duck Career Network Program Coordinator

Unexpected and Brilliant.

When Shannon Cramer, '11, invited James Chang and I to her Portland art studio, I was excited and had no idea what to expect. Following the GPS, we pulled into an apartment complex and found a row of garage doors– one was open. Inside, Shannon was perched on a paint-spattered stool, examining her latest creation. Several fans blew fumes out the entrance and music (too hip or obscure for me to recognize) softly played out the speakers of her laptop. Surrounding her were shields– as in medieval, Game of Thrones look-a-like shields, in every shape, size, and color imaginable. Each one, a handcrafted painting– stunning in their uniqueness but (we would soon learn) strong enough to endure a beating from the toughest of Belegarth warriors.

With a brilliant smile, Shannon immediately welcomed us into her studio and enthusiastically explained what she was working on and her process of creation…
Unexpected? Definitely. Were we meeting another brilliant Duck at work? Absolutely.

Image of Shannon in 2015 with her team at Battle for the Ring where they tied for second.

Game Changer.

As a U of O undergraduate, Shannon was originally pursuing a degree in Journalism and Economics. Adept with web design, a suite of software programs, and a natural at marketing – it still wasn’t the right fit. So, she made a change, dropped out of the School of Journalism and focused her attention on a new major: Art. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 2011 with an emphasis on fine/studio art through the School of Architecture and Allied Arts.

During her time at the UO, Shannon was active. From serving as Complex President for Walton Hall to co-founding two ASUO clubs: Mind the Gap A Capella group and the UO Medieval Combat Club, both still exist today. Shannon, and her twin sister Alli, were the driving force behind acquiring the necessary funding and administrative support for forming an official ASUO club sport for the Belegarth Medieval Combat Society. In 2012, The Daily Emerald published an article on their efforts and the Tir na Nog players of Eugene celebrated. Read the article here.

After graduation, Shannon found herself working full time as a Project Manager for a website design company in Boise, Idaho. Though she was successful, she knew it was time for a change. Again, she focused on her art. Using her breadth of marketing skills, business knowledge, and fine art craft, she found work as an artist assistant and children’s art teacher in Portland, while she co-founded Shield-Shop.

While the dream of being a working artist may have seemed far-fetched, Shannon has a knack for making things happen, so she did. Now, she runs her own art studio/sports equipment line and utilizes all aspects of her UO education from marketing, club sports, economics, web design, and fine art on a daily basis.

Image is of Shannon as a UO student, mid-fight in 2010.

Do What You Love.

When you meet Shannon, it is clear her brain functions at warp speed. She is a true intellect, quick-witted, articulate, and fiercely passionate. Shannon strikes me as someone who doesn’t just get involved with things–she fully commits. It’s impressive, refreshing, and the foundation for her career (and personal) success. She has made changes when she needed to, focused on her talents, and committed to her choices in a way that has allowed herself and her business to thrive. During the tour of her studio, Shannon offered this advice, “… who does what you do? Follow them.” While she has blazed her own trail, she has also relied on the advice, experience, and creative support from other artists. Many of Shannon’s AAA cohort are also working artists, demonstrating the power of simply “doing what you love” and the potential for success when you apply your education and skills to that passion.

Process and Products.

Shannon’s art is both functional and “reciprocal” – which is just the type of art Shannon personally enjoys. Her technique is a combination of her client’s vision, her artistry, and quality materials (like leather, metal, and foam) that can withstand full contact in-game action. She uses a trademarked technique calledPlastidip for all her shields and weapons. Her products are legal game equipment and the production process is complex and interesting. You can see and read more about her process and products here.

Shannon's studio is now located at ADX, a maker's space in Portland, Oregon. Her shields are now available to purchase in stores! Her work is now available at Guardian Games (pictured below).